ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Updates on COVID-19
Dr. Harsh Vardhan launches India’s First Mobile I-LAB 
Recovery Rate improves to 52.96%
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched India’s first mobile I-Lab  for COVID-19 testing for last mile testing access. It will be deployed in remote, interior and inaccessible parts of the country and have capability to perform 25 COVID-19 RT-PCR tests/Day, 300 ELISA tests/day, additional tests for TB, HIV etc. as per CGHS rates. The Infectious Disease Diagnostic Lab  is supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, under the Covid Command strategy.
During the last 24 hrs, 7390 COVID-19 patients were cured. A total of 1,94,324patients, so far, have been cured of COVID-19. The recovery rate rises to 52.96%. Currently, 1,60,384 active cases are under medical supervision.
The number of government labs has been increased to 699 and private labs has been increased to 254 . The break-up is given as:
Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 540 
TrueNat based testing labs: 340 
CBNAAT based testing labs: 73 
In the last 24 hours, 1,65,412 samples were tested. The total number of samples tested thus far is 62,49,668.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA .
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2020-21  – Issue Price
In terms of Government of India Notification No.4-B/2020 dated October 09, 2020, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2020-21  will be opened for the period January 11-15, 2021 with Settlement date January 19, 2021. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be Rs5,104  – per gram, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated January 08, 2021.
The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow discount of Rs50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be Rs5,054  per gram of gold.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of ‘4.48% GS 2023’, ‘GoI Floating Rate Bond 2033’, ‘6.22% GS 2035’, and ‘6.67% GS 2050’
The Government of India  has announced the Sale  of  ‘4.48% Government Security, 2023’ for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘GoI Floating Rate Bonds, 2033’ for a notified amount of
Rs 4,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘6.22% Government Security, 2035’ for a notified amount of Rs 11,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘6.67% Government Security, 2050’ for a notified amount of Rs 5,000 crore  through price based auction. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs 2,000 crore against each of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on February 26, 2021 . The auction will be conducted using uniform price method for 6.22% GS 2035 and multiple price method for 4.48% GS 2023, GoI FRB 2033 and 6.67% GS 2050.
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the securities will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on February 26, 2021. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on February 26, 2021  and payment by successful bidders will be on March 01, 2021 .
The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Urban Development
Rupnagar Rises for a Cleaner and Greener Future: SHS-2023 Initiatives Make a Positive Impact
Awareness Drives, Legacy Waste Cleanup, and a Cycle Rally Spearhead Swachhata Campaign in District Rupnagar
In a remarkable display of community-driven efforts and environmental consciousness, District Rupnagar has taken significant strides towards a cleaner and greener future as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva -2023 campaign. Spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner and air pollution experts, a series of impactful initiatives have left an indelible mark on the district's commitment to combatting pollution and fostering cleanliness.
Awareness Drives on Stubble Burning:
In the initial phase of SHS-2023, the district witnessed the organization of a groundbreaking "Stubble Burning Awareness Camp" in Rupnagar. Building on this success, various camps and meetings were conducted across the district to enlighten farmers about the grave consequences of stubble burning. Furthermore, valuable knowledge about paddy straw-based biogas plants was shared with them. An impressive gathering of approximately 1,386 Gram Panchayat members, IEC specialists, Community Development Specialists, and Block Resource Coordinators actively participated in these enlightening sessions.
Cleaning of Legacy Waste Site:
Taking a hands-on approach to ensure a pristine environment, sanitation workers, Sub Divisional Engineers, and Junior Engineers from the Department of Water Supply & Sanitation undertook the noble task of clearing legacy waste sites. Through a collective effort involving 85 sanitation workers, dedicated youth volunteers, DWSS officials, IEC specialists, Community Development Specialists, and Block Resource Coordinators, open areas were transformed, giving a fresh lease of life to these spaces.
Cycle Rally for Swachhata:
The youth and citizens of District Rupnagar united in a spirited "Cycle Rally" organized to champion the cause of cleanliness. Volunteer teams from Nehru Yuva Kendra led the charge, covering an impressive 10-kilometer radius to sensitize approximately 2,312 citizens. The rally served as a powerful platform to educate participants on waste segregation, the harmful effects of single-use plastics, and the paramount importance of cleanliness. This event was made possible with the support of IEC specialists, Community Development Specialists, and Block Resource Coordinators.
The resounding success of these initiatives underscores District Rupnagar's unwavering commitment to a sustainable and cleaner future. The district continues to set an inspiring example for communities everywhere, as it strives to make the world a better place, one step at a time.
Ministry of Finance
New Personal Income Tax Regime heralds significant relief, especially for Middle Class Taxpayers
New tax regime to be optional for the taxpayers
New rates entail estimated revenue forgone of Rs 40,000 Crore per year
In order to provide significant relief to the individual taxpayers and to simplify the Income-Tax law, the Union Budget proposes to bring a new and simplified personal income tax regime wherein income tax rates will be significantly reduced for the individual taxpayers who forgo certain deductions and exemptions. While presenting the Union Budget 2020-21 in Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman said, “The new tax regime shall be optional for the tax payers.” She further said that an individual who is currently availing more deductions and exemptions under the Income Tax Act may choose to avail them and continue to pay tax in the old regime.
The New personal Income tax regime proposes the following tax structure:
|
|
Taxable Income Slab 
|
|
Existing tax rates
|
|
New tax rates
|
|
0-2.5 Lakh
|
|
Exempt
|
|
Exempt
|
|
2.5-5 Lakh
|
|
5%
|
|
5%
|
|
5-7.5 Lakh
|
|
20%
|
|
10%
|
|
7.5-10 Lakh
|
|
20%
|
|
15%
|
|
10-12.5 Lakh
|
|
30%
|
|
20%
|
|
12.5-15 Lakh
|
|
30%
|
|
25%
|
|
Above 15 Lakh
|
|
30%
|
|
30%
In the new tax regime, substantial tax benefit will accrue to a taxpayer depending upon exemptions and deductions claimed by him. For example, a person earning Rs 15 lakh in a year and not availing any deductions etc. will pay only Rs, 1,95,000 as compared to Rs, 2,73,000 in the old regime. Thus his tax burden shall be reduced by 78,000 in the new regime. He would still be a gainer in the new regime even if he was taking deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh under various sections of Chapter VI –A of the Income Tax Act under the old regime.
The new tax regime will be optional for the taxpayers. As per the Memorandum explaining the provision in the Finance Bill, the option shall be exercised for every previous year where the individual or the HUF has no business income and in other cases the option once exercised for a previous year shall be valid for that previous year and all subsequent years. The option shall become invalid for a previous year or previous years as the case may be if the individual or HUF fails to satisfy the conditions and other provisions of the Act shall apply.
The new personal income tax rates will entail estimated revenue forgone of Rs 40,000 crore per year. Smt Sitharaman said, “We have also initiated measures to prefill the income tax return so that an individual who opts for the new regime would need no assistance from an expert to file his return and pay income tax.” The Finance Minister said that in order to simplify the income tax system, she has reviewed all the exemptions and deductions incorporated over the past several decades.”
In the Budget, around 70 of the existing exemptions and deductions of different nature  have been proposed to be removed. Remaining exemptions and deductions will be reviewed and rationalised in the coming years with a view to further simplifying the tax system and lowering the tax rate.
Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary visits Myanmar; Discusses matters relating to India’s security with the country’s senior leadership
Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane paid an official visit to Myanmar from June 30, 2023 to July 01, 2023. He called on Chairman, State Administrative Council Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw. The Defence Secretary also called on Defence Minister of Myanmar Gen  Mya Tun Oo and held meetings with Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Navy Admiral Moe Aung and Chief of Defence Industries Lt Gen Khan Myint Than.
The visit provided an opportunity to raise matters relating to India’s security with senior leadership of Myanmar. During the meetings, the two sides discussed issues related to maintenance of tranquillity in the border areas, illegal trans-border movements and transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and smuggling. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other.
India shares an approximately 1,700-km long border with Myanmar. Any developments in that country have a direct impact on India’s bordering regions. Peace & stability in Myanmar and well-being of its people, therefore, remain of utmost importance to India.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
ONGC first Indian Exploration & Production company to trade domestic gas on Indian Gas Exchange
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.  has become the first Exploration and Production  company in India to trade domestic gas on Indian Gas Exchange. The first online trade was made on 23 May 2022 by ONGC Director  In-charge Marketing Anurag Sharma on India’s first automated national level Gas Exchange, IGX. The gas traded is from ONGC Krishna Godavari 98/2 block.
ONGC Director  In-charge marketing Anurag Sharma doing the first gas trading on IGX
After the deregulation in gas pricing ecosystem in 2000-21, ONGC has prepared itself to reap the benefits. The quantity sold by ONGC through the Gas Exchange will be enhanced slowly.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
PIB FACT CHECK: STUDY CLAIMING CORONA PEAK IN NOVEMBER NOT CONDUCTED BY ICMR
Kolkata, 15th May, 2020
The Indian Council of Medical Research  has been quoted in several news outlets as saying that the number of Covid-19 cases in India could reach a peak in mid-November and that there could be a shortage of ICU beds and ventilators at that time. The news is completely wrong and baseless. PIB Fact Check has verified this news and said that it is misleading. ICMR has also said that the report is absolutely baseless.
CG/SDG
(Visitor Counter : 13
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 529
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 197.44 Crore
More than 11 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 197.44 Crore  today. More than 11 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10408856
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10063536
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
5672629
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18423669
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17624412
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
10178502
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
36555930
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
23144634
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
60389188
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
48644336
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
558205831
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
501003621
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2841512
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203438501
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
193371192
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2515382
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127249615
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
120771164
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
23987785
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1014671590
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
914622895
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
45195810
|
|
Total
|
|
1974490295
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 28th June, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
42
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
635
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
16452
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
210
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1297
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
85215
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
83479
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
192587
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
25551
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
77606
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
30413
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
270109
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
68709
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
4140
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
61851
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
34495
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5901
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
41998
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
178611
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
149736
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
646083
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
383482
|
|
Total
|
|
1179301
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Prime Minister's Office
PM participates in Navratri Festival celebrations in Ahmedabad
Offers Maha Aarti along with lakhs of devotees
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi attended the Navratri Festival at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad tonight.
The Prime Minister arrived at the venue with the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, and the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel. The Prime Minister offered Maha Aarti to Maa Amba along with the Governor and the Chief Minister and lakhs of devotees at the venue. The Prime Minister’s participation in the Navratri Celebration which is a mark of Indian culture and embodies the local flavour of Gujarat filled the devotees with joy and happiness on the auspicious occasion. The Chief Minister presented Maa Ambaji Shri Yantra as an auspicious memento to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also witnessed the cultural programme and Garba.
The Prime Minister who is on a two-day tour to Gujarat today attended a series of events and inaugurated/dedicated/laid foundation stones at Surat and Bhavnagar. He also declared the National Games 2022 open today in Ahmedabad.
Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will attend another place of faith at Ambaji, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and dedicate various development projects to the nation worth over Rs. 7200 crores in Ambaji. The Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of over 45,000 houses built under PM Awas Yojana. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Taranga Hill – Ambaji - Abu Road New Broad Gauge Line and development of pilgrimage facilities at Ambaji temple under PRASAD scheme. The new rail line will benefit lakhs of devotees visiting Ambaji, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and will enrich the worship experience of the devotees at all these pilgrimage places. Other projects whose foundation stone will be laid include the construction of the runway and associated infrastructure at Airforce station, Deesa; Ambaji Bypass Road among others.
The Prime Minister will also dedicate the 62 Km long New Palanpur-New Mahesana section of the Western Freight Dedicated Corridor and the 13 Km long New Palanpur-New Chatodar Section . It will enhance connectivity to Pipavav, Deendayal Port Authority , Mundra and other ports of Gujarat. With the opening of these sections, 734 km of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor will become operational. The opening of this stretch will benefit industries in Mehsana-Palanpur in Gujarat; Swaroopganj, Keshavganj, Kishangarh in Rajasthan; Rewari-Manesar and Narnaul in Haryana. The Prime Minister will also dedicate various road projects including the widening of Mitha - Tharad - Deesa Road among others.
Ministry of Defence
RM Calls for Building Stronger Military to Military Ties at Defence attaches Conclave
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman addressed a meeting of India’s Defence Attaches  here today. It was the first such conference held with our DAs, with a view to enhance their role towards implementation of India’s defence cooperation and engagement with foreign countries. India has Resident Defence Attaches in 44 countries, who are accredited to a total of 95 countries.
Addressing the DAs, Raksha Mantri complimented their efforts to expand and strengthen India’s defence engagement in bilateral, regional and multilateral frameworks. Raksha Mantri outlined India’s interest in building stronger military to military cooperation, training and capacity building as well as cooperation on defence industry and technology with our partners. She encouraged the DAs to play a more pro-active role in this process, highlighting India’s views and positions on the evolving regional and global security scenario as well as its rapid economic, technical and military advancements.
Enumerating ongoing efforts to expand defence manufacturing in India under Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative, Raksha Mantri also stressed the need for DAs to engage effectively with all stakeholders in the defence sector, including DPSUs as well as private industry, to expand broader defence cooperation linkages.
The programme for the Conference today included interactive sessions between DAs and Services HQs, Secretary  and Chairman DRDO as well as discussions with defence industry representatives. Deputy National Security Adviser and senior officials of Ministry of External Affairs will address the conference tomorrow. Thereafter, the DAs would be attending the DEFEXPO 2018 in Chennai.
SRR/NAo/DK/HS
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Ministry of Defence
INDO-NEPAL JOINT MILITARY TRAINING EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN BEGINS AT PITHORAGARH 
The 15th India-Nepal combined battalion level military training exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN’ commenced at Pithoragarh  today and will continue till 03 October 2021. During the exercise, an Infantry Battalion each from the Indian Army and the Nepali Army will be training together to develop inter-operability and share their experience of counter terrorism operations and disaster relief operations.
A traditional opening ceremony was organsied to mark the commencement of the exercise in which both contingents marched in harmony to the Indian and Nepali military tunes. Lt Gen SS Mahal, GOC Uttar Bharat Area addressed the gathering and exhorted the contingents to train and strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and also to share best practices.
Earlier on Saturday, the Nepali Army contingent arrived at Pithoragarh and was accorded a traditional military reception. Around 650 defence personnel from both the Armies are participating in the event.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India hosts meeting of SCO Ministers handling economy and foreign trade
Shri Piyush Goyal calls upon the SCO countries to enhance trade and investment critical for ensuring speedy recovery from the aftermath of pandemic.
India today hosted the 19th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  Ministers responsible for Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade Activities.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal said that the current crisis due to Covid-19 is a clarion call to the SCO countries to leverage the economic strength and explore partnerships that enhance trade and investment in the region. He said that cooperation should be continued to enhance intra-SCO trade and investment which would be critical in ensuring the speedy recovery from the aftermath of the pandemic. Shri Goyal said that every nation’s world view is shaped by its civilization and philosophical tradition. India’s ancient wisdom sees the world as one family - Vasudeva Kutumbakam, he aadded.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Hardeep Singh Puri also spoke on the occasion. The virtual meeting was attended by the Secretary General of SCO and Ministers from, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
In the meeting four documents were adopted. These were:-
- Statement on the response to Covid-19. It reinforces the need for greater cooperation for access to medicines and facilitation of trade.
- Statement on the Multilateral Trading System of Ministers of SCO Countries who are WTO Members. This statement highlights the importance of the rules based multilateral negotiations.
- Statement on SCO Cooperation on Intellectual Property Rights . It relates to cooperation of intellectual property and include sharing information/experience on legislation and enforcement, cooperation in international organisations and other areas.
- Action Plan for Implementation of MOU to stimulate cooperation within the framework of SCO in the field of MSMEs. It looks at number of areas of cooperation among MSMEs, including exchange of information, organisation of events and collaboration on research and capacity building.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Goyal emphasised that all these outcomes of the meeting are very important milestones for the SCO solidarity.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Additional 19,420 vials of Amphotericin- B allocated to States/UTs
23680 vials of Amphotericin- B were allocated across country on 21st May
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri D.V Sadananda Gowda announced that the additional 19,420 vials of Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States/UTs and Central Institutions on 24th May, 2021.
Besides this, 23680 vials of Amphotericin- B were allocated across country on 21st May.